Device and method for photo and video capture

ABSTRACT

A single user input element in an image capture device is used for both photo and video capture. Based on a first user interface activity, a timing reference is engaged at a first reference time. In a first case, photo capture is performed. In the first case, a second reference time is based on a second user interface activity, and the timing reference indicates a passage of time between the two reference times is shorter than a particular time interval. In a second case, video capture is performed. In the second case, the timing reference indicates a passage of time since the first reference time is equal to or longer than the particular time interval. Video capture is stopped based on a subsequent user interface activity. The user interface activities may comprise detecting actions based on the same type of physical manipulation of the single user input.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/011,257, filed Jun. 18, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/674,277, filed Aug. 10, 2018, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/373,236, filed Dec.8, 2016 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/048,361, filed Feb. 19, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/579,096, filed Dec. 22, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/596,041, filed Aug.27, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This relates to devices and methods for photo and video capture with asingle user input element. The same single user input element in animage capture device is used in performing both photo capture and videocapture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Image capture devices with the ability to capture both static content,such as still images, and dynamic content, such as moving imagesembodied as video or audiovisual content, have become widely available.Historically, still cameras for still images were distinct in design andfunctionality from video cameras for moving images. For instance, therehas been a long history of some cameras designed for photography andother cameras designed for cinematography. Technological developments inimage capture devices, however, has enabled the proliferation of cameraswith the ability to capture both still images and moving images.

Even if the same camera has the ability to capture both static anddynamic image content, the camera's user interface must be able todistinguish between the user's instruction for still image capture andthe user's instruction for moving image capture. Various techniques havebecome conventionally known.

One technique is to use multiple buttons, each button assigned its ownseparate function. One button may be assigned to initiate photo captureAnother button may be assigned to initiate video capture. Commercialshoot-and-point cameras have been known to employ this technique of aseparate photo button and a separate video button. This technique can bedisadvantageous in a number of ways. For example, multiple buttons mayrequire more hardware and its associated costs in design andmanufacturing, as compared to a single button. As another example,multiple buttons may occupy extra space on the form factor of the cameradevice. As many modern camera devices are small in size for convenienceand portability, there is limited space for user input elements, such asbuttons.

Another set of conventional techniques is directed to using a singlecapture button with multiple capture functions. A first example employsa separate mode selection button to toggle between photo capture modeand video capture mode. In photo capture mode, operating the singlecapture button initiates photo capture. In video capture mode, operatingthe same single capture button initiates video capture. Handheldsmartphones have been known to employ this technique of a separate modeselection button to toggle between photo capture mode and video capturemode. This technique can be disadvantageous because an extra useroperation is required to switch between these two modes. Specifically,before the user operation of pressing the capture button, the extra useroperation of pressing the mode selection button and the subsequent modechange are required. This extra user operation and mode changeintroduces a noticeably long time delay before the user can press thecapture button. During that long time delay, the user may miss theopportunity to capture the desired photo or video.

A second example employs a single user input element that functions bothas a mode selection input and as a capture button of a camera, as shownin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0061788 A1 to Bateman.Specifically, each of these two functions is implemented by a differentphysical manipulation of the single user input element. For the functionof mode selection, the physical manipulation of sliding the single userinput element selects the different capture modes of the camera. For thefunction of capture, the physical manipulation of pressing the singleuser input element initiates capture.

Different modes of the camera are selected by a user operation ofsliding the single user input element between two different slidepositions. In a first slide position, the camera is in still imagecapture mode, and pressing the single user input element initiates stillimage capture. In a second slide position, the camera is in videocapture mode, and pressing the single user input element initiates videocapture.

The technique of this second example can be disadvantageous in a numberof ways. First, an extra physical manipulation of a different type isrequired to switch between these two modes. Specifically, before thephysical manipulation of pressing the single user input element, theextra physical manipulation of sliding the single user input element isrequired. Pressing and sliding are different types of physicalmanipulation. This extra physical manipulation of a different typeintroduces a noticeably long time delay before the user can press thesingle user input element. During that long time delay, the user maymiss the opportunity to capture the desired photo or video.Additionally, accommodating multiple sliding positions may require morehardware and its associated costs in design and manufacturing, ascompared to a single button occupying a single location. Furthermore,multiple sliding positions may occupy extra space on the form factor ofthe camera device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments involve an image capture apparatus comprising animage sensor, a timing reference, a single user input element, and aprocessor block configured to control a method for photo capture andvideo capture. Other embodiments involve a machine-readable medium foran image capture device directed to a method for photo capture and videocapture. A method for photo capture and video capture involves steps forperforming photo capture and steps for performing video capture.

Some embodiments involve engaging a timing reference at a firstreference time based on a first user interface activity at the singleuser input element. In a first case, a second reference time is based ona second user interface activity at the single user input element, thetiming reference indicates a passage of time between the two referencetimes is shorter than a particular time interval, and still imagecapture is performed. In a second case, the timing reference indicates apassage of time since the first reference time is equal to or longerthan the particular time interval, and video capture is started. In thesecond case, video capture is stopped based on a subsequent userinterface activity at the single user input element. The reference timefor a corresponding user interface activity may be equal to or laterthan the time when the corresponding user interface activity occurs atthe single user input element.

In some embodiments, the steps for performing photo capture involveengaging a timing reference at two reference times based on two userinterface activities at the single user input element. After determiningthat a timing reference indicates that a passage of time between the tworeference times is shorter than a particular time interval, still imagecapture is performed based on the determination. The reference times maybe equal to or later than the two times when the two user interfaceactivities occur at the single user input element.

In some embodiments, the steps for performing video capture involveengaging a timing reference at a first reference time based on a firstuser interface activity at the single user input element. Afterdetermining that a timing reference indicates a passage of time sincethe first reference time is equal to or longer than the particular timeinterval, video capture is started based on the determination. Based onanother user interface activity at the single user input element, thevideo capture is stopped. The first reference time may be equal to orlater than the time when the first user interface activity occurs at thesingle user input element.

Implementing the single user input element with the time-based approachdisclosed herein distinguishes from other approaches based on multiplebuttons and multiple types of physical manipulation. Comparativeadvantages may include reduced hardware and its associated costs indesign and manufacturing, increase in available space on the form factorof a camera device, removal of the noticeably long time delay ofalternating between multiple modes and multiple user operations, andincreased simplicity in user interface experience.

In some embodiments, all of the user interface activities at the singleuser input element comprise detecting actions based on the same type ofphysical manipulation of the single user input. The corresponding useractions on the single user input all belong to the same type of physicalmanipulation. Compared to the known use of multiple types of physicalmanipulation of a single user input element, the aspect of using thesame single type of physical manipulation can lead to furtheradvantages, such as removal of the noticeably long time delay ofalternating between multiple types of physical manipulations, furtherreduced hardware and its associated costs in design and manufacturing asingle user input element that operates via multiple types of physicalmanipulation, further increase in available space on the form factor ofa camera device, and further increased simplicity in user interfaceexperience.

In some embodiments, some user interface activities involve detectingpress actions on the single user input element, and other user interfaceactivities involve detecting release actions from the single user inputelement. Employing press and release actions may provide a convenientuser experience.

In some embodiments, some user interface activities involve a change inthe state of the single user input element from OFF to ON, and otheruser interface activities involve a change in the state of the singleuser input element from ON to OFF. Employing ON and OFF states mayprovide a convenient implementation of a single user input element.

In some embodiments, photo capture and video capture employ the sameimage sensor. Employing the same image sensor may provide benefits inreduced hardware costs and increased device portability.

In some embodiments, the single user input element is one of a button, akey, a screen area of an input display, and a touch-sensitive area of atouchscreen. Such various examples indicate that the single user inputelement may be embodied in any suitable form in accordance with theteachings disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an overall system design in a preferredembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in an idle status.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in connection with photo capture.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in an idle status after photo capture.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in connection with video capture.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in an idle status after video capture.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary user activity.

FIG. 8 shows a temporal sequence of user events related to photocapture.

FIG. 9 shows a temporal sequence of user events related to video capturestart.

FIG. 10 shows a temporal sequence of user events related to videocapture stop.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary operational diagram.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary hardware embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which itis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments can be used and structural changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments of this invention.

Overall System Design of the Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an overall system design in a preferredembodiment 100. Embodiment 100 may be implemented with any deviceconfigured to capture, process, store, or transmit (or any combinationof the above steps) both photos and videos utilizing image sensors, suchas image sensor 140. Such a device may also utilize audio sensors, suchas audio sensor 130.

A user may issue commands to embodiment 100 to effectuate the capture ofphoto and/or video content. The user may be external to embodiment 100.

Control block 110 may represent the sequence of interactions between theuser and embodiment 100 resulting in control commands and leading to thecapture of photo and/or video content. Control block 110 may beimplemented with central processing unit (CPU) 111, bus 112, and timingreference 114. CPU 111 may comprise one or more processors. Bus 112 maycomprise one or more buses interconnecting the various components ofembodiment 100. Timing reference 114 may be embodied as any way orcomponent involved with timing references, such as one or more timers,one or more clocks, a combination of timer(s) and clock(s), and anyprocess or component that provides the functionality of a clock ortimer. Using or engaging timing reference 114 includes varioustinting-related activities, such as indicating event times, startingtimers, reading clocks or timers, indicating passage of time, setting orregistering reference times, etc.

User interface 120 is configured to intermediate the interactionsbetween the embodiment 100 and the user. Via user interface 120, theuser may effectuate the execution of the processes of control block 110.User interface 120 may also provide feedback about the results ofvarious processes. User interface 120 may be implemented with visual,acoustic, tactile, or proximity elements (or any combination of theabove elements). As a result of user interaction with user interface120, control block 110 may generate a control command, such as a signalthat affects the rest of the system of embodiment 100 (e.g., a CapturePhoto signal, a Start Video signal, a Stop Video signal).

Audio sensor 130 registers acoustic input data and may transformacoustic input data into electrical audio signals for furtherprocessing. The acoustic input data can be processed based on thecommands from control block 110, in connection with producing photo orvideo content. Audio sensor 130 may represent one or more audio sensors.

Image sensor 140 registers visual input data and transforming visualinput data into electrical image signals for further processing. Thevisual input data can be processed based on commands from control block110, in connection with producing photo or video content. Image sensor140 may represent one or more image sensors.

Display 150 can provide a real-time visual display of the image signalsgenerated by image sensor 140. Display 150 may be structurallyintegrated with embodiment 100 as a unitary device.

Speaker 160 is an audio reproduction device used to produce audibleoutput, such as audible feedback. Speaker 160 may be structurallyintegrated with embodiment 100 as a unitary device.

Video processing 170 represents a set of transformations and theequipment and control processes involved to produce video content basedon the image signal generated by the image sensor 140. The video contentmay be produced based also on the audio signal generated by audio sensor130. The video content is a dynamic sequence of images captured by imagesensor 140, which may be simultaneously captured with synchronized audiocaptured by audio sensor 130. The video content may be processed andformatted for storage, subsequent retrieval, and transmission.

Photo processing 180 represents a set of transformations and theequipment and control processes involved to produce photo content fromthe image signal generated by image sensor 140. The photo content may beproduced based also on the audio signal generated by audio sensor 130.The photo content is a static image (a momentary representation)captured by image sensor 140, which may be simultaneously captured withsynchronized audio captured by audio sensor 130. The photo content maybe processed and formatted for storage, subsequent retrieval, andtransmission.

Storage 190 may store video content from video processing 170. Storage190 may store photo content from photo processing 180. Storage 190 maybe embodied as any suitable storage medium for storing video content orphoto content, including the non-limiting examples of tape storage onmagnetic tape, disk storage on a hard disk drive, flash memory ofsolid-state semiconductor memory.

Embodiment 100 in FIG. 1 represents relevant processes and components.These relevant processes and components may be implemented by anysuitable hardware configuration. For example, video processing 170 andphoto processing 180 are illustrated as separate blocks but may bedescribed together as image processing 175. Video processing 170 andphoto processing 180 may be implemented respectively as a separate videoprocessor component and a separate photo processor component.Alternatively, they may be embodied as a single image processorcomponent corresponding to image processing 175. Additionally, anycombination of video processing 170, photo processing 180, imageprocessing 175, and CPU 111 may be implemented as one or moreprocessors. Some or all of the elements shown in control block 110 andimage processing 175 may be embodied in a single integral structure or asingle collection of components, as shown by processing block 115.

FIG. 12 illustrates a hardware embodiment 200 for implementing designembodiment 100. The components in FIG. 12 have reference characters thatare numbered in a corresponding fashion to the reference characters inFIG. 1. Hardware embodiment 200 may be implemented in devices including,but not limited to, a portable camera phone, smartphone, digitalcamcorder, digital camera, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktoppersonal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), media player,and a combination of two or more of these devices.

Control block 210 may be implemented with CPU 211 and timing reference214. Bus 112 may connect control block 210 to image processor 275. Imageprocessor 275 may comprise video processor 270 and photo processor 280.Methods and processes disclosed herein may be embodied as instructionsstored on a machine-readable storage medium, such as random accessmemory (RAM) 216 or read-only memory (ROM) 217. One or more processors,such as CPU 211, may execute these instructions to cause embodiment 100to perform the methods and processes disclosed herein. Some or all ofthe elements shown in control block 210 and image processor 275 may beembodied in a single integral structure or a single collection ofcomponents, as shown by processing block 215.

User interface 220 may be embodied as a single user input element, suchas a button, a key, a screen area of an input display, a touch-sensitivearea of a touchscreen, etc. Audio sensor 230 may be embodied as amicrophone. Image sensor 240 may be embodied as one or more imagesensors. Display 250 may be embodied as a preview display for imagesignals from image sensor 140. Display 250 may be structurally separatefrom user interface 220 or structurally integrated with user interface220, such as a touchscreen as an input/output device. Speaker 260 may beembodied as one or more speakers or one or more audio output ports to anaudio peripheral, e.g., headphones. Storage 290 may be embodied as anysuitable storage medium for storing video content or photo content,including the non-limiting examples of tape storage on magnetic tape,disk storage on a hard disk drive, and flash memory of solid-statesemiconductor memory. Network interface 205 may be embodied as anysuitable connection (e.g., physical data port, virtual data port,infrared connection, wireless radio frequency (RF) connection, etc.) toa communications network (e.g., a local area network, a storage areanetwork, the Internet, cellular data network, etc.) via a propagationmedium (e.g., electrical wires, optical fiber, acoustic space, wirelesssignals, RF signals, etc.). Data may enter or leave embodiment 200 vianetwork interface 205, including program instructions for RAM 216 or ROM217 and including photo or video data for storage 290. The variouscomponents of embodiment 200 may be interconnected by any suitablearrangement of interconnections, as represented by bus 112.

User Interface and Actions

User interface 120 comprises a single actionable user input element 121(e.g., a button, a key, a screen area of an input display, atouch-sensitive area of a touchscreen, etc.). Element 121 can indicatetwo states ON and OFF. Element 121 may be in the OFF state. The user canchange the state of element 121 to ON by applying a first action (e.g.,button press, screen touch). Element 121 can indicate the ON state for aduration of time. For instance, the user may apply the first actionduring the duration of time. The user can change the state of element121 to OFF by applying a second action (e.g., button release, screentouch release). For instance, the second action may be ceasing the firstaction so that the first action is no longer applied to element 121,returning element 121 to the OFF state.

The first action and the second action on the single user input element121 may belong to the same type of physical manipulation. For example,the first action and the second action may involve a pressure type ofphysical manipulation, as in applying pressure to a button and releasingpressure from the button. As another example, the first action and thesecond action may involve a contact type of physical manipulation, as incontacting a touch-sensitive surface and removing contact from thetouch-sensitive surface. As a further example, the first action and thesecond action may involve a proximity type of physical manipulation, asin entering a proximity detection region and exiting a proximitydetection region.

Hereinafter, the user interaction leading to the state of actionableelement 121 switching front OFF to ON is referred to as a “PRESS”action, and the user interaction leading to state of actionable element121 switching from ON to OFF is referred to as a “RELEASE” action. Thetime elapsed between a PRESS action and a subsequent RELEASE action isreferred to as “HOLD time.” During HOLD time, the user may perform a“HOLD action” by continuing to apply the PRESS action to element 121.Embodiments are not limited to a pressing action and a releasing actionbut may also include other actions.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary user activity. PRESS action 124 shows theaction of a user moving a finger into contact with a control surface.RELEASE action 126 shows the action of a user moving a finger out ofcontact with a control surface. FIG. 7 also shows an idle status 121where a user is idling and not contacting a control surface.

Hereinafter, a predetermined duration of time is referred to as“interval X.” The duration of Interval X may be a plurality of seconds,a second, or a fraction of a second. The relevance of Interval X isfurther explained below.

Idle

FIG. 2 illustrates embodiment 100 in an idle status. Image sensor 140 isconnected to display 150, as shown by connection 142 via bus 112.Display 150 may show a real-time preview of image signals generated byimage sensor 140. User input element 121 is in the OFF state.

Photo Capture

FIG. 8 shows a temporal sequence of user events related to photocapture. In order to perform photo capture, a user may execute thefollowing sequence of stages:

Stage P1. While embodiment 100 is in an Idle status (as in FIG. 2), theuser changes the state of element 121 to ON. As exemplified in FIG. 8,the user performs a PRESS action 124 on user input element 121 at timeTA.

Stage P2. The state of element 121 remains ON for a period of timeshorter than Interval X, e.g., the user performs a HOLD action for aHOLD time less than Interval X.

Stage P3. The user changes the state of element 121 to OFF. Asexemplified in FIG. 8, the user performs a RELEASE action 126 on userinput element 121 at time TB. The time difference between time TB andtime TA is less than Interval X. When the state of element 121 is OFF,embodiment 100 performs photo capture at time TB or later.

Photo capture may also be described in terms of embodiment 100 and FIGS.2-4. During stages P1-P3, embodiment 100 progresses through the statusesshown in FIGS. 2-4. The idle status of FIG. 2 is described above.

FIG. 3 illustrates embodiment 100 in connection with photo capture. Useractivity 122 represents the combination of PRESS action 124 and RELEASEaction 126 of FIG. 8. Image sensor 140 is connected to display 150, asshown by connection 142 via bus 112. Display 150 may show a real-timepreview of image signals generated by image sensor 140. Image sensor 140is also connected to photo processing 180, as shown by connection 144via bus 112. Timing reference 114 is referenced to determine that userinput element 121 remains ON for a period of time shorter than IntervalX. Photo processing 180 captures initial image 182. Photo processing 180may further transform or process initial image 182 into final image 192for storage and/or transmission. Photo processing 180 may store finalimage 192 into storage 190 and may transmit final image 192 to anotherdestination.

FIG. 4 illustrate embodiment 100 in an idle status after photo capture.This idle status of FIG. 4 may correspond to the idle status of FIG. 2,as discussed above. In this idle status of FIG. 4, storage 190 maycontain final image 192.

Photo capture can be enhanced to provide feedback to the user about theprogress and the final result of stages P1-P3. Audio feedbackenhancements may utilize speaker 160. A distinct audio signal canindicate that photo capture has been triggered. A distinct audio signalcan indicate that photo capture has been triggered and successfullycompleted. A distinct audio signal can indicate that photo capture hasbeen triggered and failed.

Visual feedback enhancements may utilize display 150. A distinct visualsignal can indicate that photo capture has been triggered. A distinctvisual signal can indicate that photo capture has been triggered andsuccessfully completed. A distinct visual signal can indicate that photocapture has been triggered and failed.

Video Capture

FIG. 9 shows a temporal sequence of user events related to video capturestart. FIG. 10 shows a temporal sequence of user events related to videocapture stop. In order to perform video capture, a user operator mayexecute the following sequence of stages:

Stage V1. While embodiment 100 is in an Idle status (as in FIG. 2), theuser changes the state of element 121 to ON. As exemplified in FIG. 9,the user performs a PRESS action 124 on user input element 121 at timeTA.

Stage V2. The state of element 121 remains ON for a period of time equalto or longer than Interval X, e.g., the user performs a HOLD action fora HOLD time equal to or greater than Interval X. When element 121remains ON for a period of time equal to or longer than Interval X,embodiment 100 initiates the recording of video content, as reflected bystart recording event 174 at preset time TS or later in FIG. 9. The timedifference between time TS and TA is equal to or greater than IntervalX.

Stage V3. The user changes the state of element 121 to OFF. Asexemplified in FIG. 10, the user performs a RELEASE action 126 on userinput element 121 at time TC. When the state of element 121 is OFF,embodiment 100 stops the recording of video content at time TC or later.

Video capture may also be described in terms of embodiment 100 and FIGS.2 and 5-6. During stages V1-V3, embodiment 100 progresses through thestatuses shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6. The idle status of FIG. 2 isdescribed above.

FIG. 5 illustrates embodiment 100 in connection with video capture. Useractivities 124 and 128 respectively correspond to PRESS action 124 andRELEASE action 128 of FIG. 10. Image sensor 140 is connected to display150, as shown by connection 142 via bus 112. Display 150 may show areal-time preview of image signals generated by image sensor 140. Imagesensor 140 is also connected to video processing 170, as shown byconnection 146 via bus 112. Timing reference 114 is engaged to determinethat user input element 121 remains ON for a period of time equal to orlonger than Interval X. In order to capture initial video 172, videoprocessing 170 captures video data from image sensor 140 via connection146 and may also capture audio data from audio sensor 130 by connection136 via bus 112. Video processing 170 may further transform or processinitial video 172 into final video 194 for storage and/or transmission.Video processing 170 may store final video 194 into storage 190 and maytransmit final video 194 to another destination.

FIG. 6 illustrates embodiment 100 in an idle status after photo capture.This idle status of FIG. 6 may correspond to the idle status of FIG. 2,as discussed above. In this idle status of FIG. 6, storage 190 maycontain final video 194.

Video capture can be enhanced to provide feedback to the user about theprogress and the final result of stages V1-V3. Audio feedbackenhancements may utilize speaker 160. A distinct audio signal canindicate that video recording has been triggered. A distinct audiosignal can indicate that video recording has been triggered andsuccessfully completed. A distinct audio signal can indicate that videorecording has been triggered and failed.

Visual feedback enhancements may utilize display 150. A distinct visualsignal can indicate that video recording has been triggered. A distinctvisual signal can indicate the current duration of recording. A distinctvisual signal can indicate that video recording has been successfullycompleted. A distinct visual signal can indicate that video recordinghas failed.

Operational Diagram of the Preferred Embodiment

The methods and processes disclosed herein may also be described interms of operational diagrams. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary operationaldiagram in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The left side of FIG. 11 shows activity at user interface 120of embodiment 100. The right side of FIG. 11 shows activity of otherportions of the system of embodiment 100.

State S1 is an idle state of embodiment 100. Image sensor 140 may beoperating. Display 150 may be showing a live preview of image signalsgenerated by image sensor 140. User input element 121 is in the OFFstate. Optionally, display 150 may show visual cue(s) on or around acontrol surface of user interface 120, indicating the OFF state ofelement 121 and prompting the user to perform an action (e.g., a promptfor a PRESS action).

State S2 is a timing start state of embodiment 100. When the state ofelement 121 changes to ON, embodiment 100 transitions from idle state S1to timing start state S2 via activity U12. User interface activity U12is exemplified as detecting a user interacting with the control surfaceof user interface 120 via a PRESS action 124. Optionally, display 150may show visual cue(s) on or around the control surface of userinterface 120, indicating the ON state of element 121.

In timing start state S2, embodiment 100 may engage timing reference 114to register a time TA, which is the time when the state of element 121changes to ON or a later point in time. Timing reference 114 may beengaged to start an interval timer or read an interval clock. Byengaging timing reference 114, embodiment 100 determines whether thestate of element 121 remains ON for a period of time shorter thanInterval X or whether the state of element 121 remains ON for a periodof time equal to or longer than Interval X. In the former case,embodiment 100 transitions to capture photo state S3. (For example, theinterval timer or clock indicates time TB when the state of element 121changes to OFF, and the interval timer or clock indicates a passage oftime less than Interval X.) In the latter case, embodiment transitionsto start video recording state S4. (For example, the interval timer orclock indicates a passage of time equal to or greater than Interval X.)

State S3 is a capture photo state of embodiment 100. Embodiment 100 cantransition from timing start state S2 to capture photo state S3 viaactivity U23. Based on user interface activity U23, the state of element121 changes to OFF. User interface activity U23 is exemplified asdetecting the user interacting with the control surface of userinterface 120 via a RELEASE action 126 at a time point within IntervalX. Photo capture includes capturing an output image signal of imagesensor 140 to provide captured photo data. Photo processing 180processes the captured photo data for storage or transmission.Optionally, photo processing 180 may store the processed photo data intostorage 190 for persistence. Optionally, embodiment 100 may providevisual and/or audio cue(s) indicating that photo capture has beensuccessful (e.g., animation, sound). After photo capture, embodiment 100may transition to idle state S1 and display visual cue(s) on or aroundthe control surface of user interface 120, indicating, the OFF state ofelement 121.

State S4 is a start video recording state of embodiment 100. Embodiment100 can transition from timing start state S2 to start video recordingstate S4 via activity U24. The state of element 121 remains ON for aperiod of time equal to or longer than Interval X. User interfaceactivity U24 is exemplified as detecting the user interacting with thecontrol surface of user interface 120 via HOLD action 127 (e.g.,continuing PRESS action 124) to Interval X. Starting video recordingincludes starting capturing an output image signal of image sensor 140to provide captured video data. Starting video recording to provide thecaptured video data may also include starting capturing an output audiosignal of audio sensor 130. Video processing 170 starts processing thecaptured video data. Optionally, video processing 170 may store theprocessed video data into storage 190 for persistence. Optionally,embodiment 100 may provide visual and/or audio cue(s) indicating thatvideo recording has successfully started (e.g., animation, sound).

State S5 is a stop video recording state of embodiment 100. Embodiment100 can transition from start video recording state S4 to stop videorecording state S5 via activity U45. User interface activity U45 isexemplified as detecting the user interacting with the control surfaceof user interface 120 via a RELEASE action 128 at a time point beyondthe end of interval X. Stopping video recording includes stoppingcapturing an output image signal of image sensor 140 and may alsoinclude stopping capturing an output audio signal of audio sensor 130.Video processing 170 finishes processing the captured video data toprovide a video for storage or transmission. Optionally, videoprocessing 170 may store the video into storage 190 for persistence.Optionally, embodiment 100 may provide visual and/or audio cue(s)indicating that video recording has successfully ended (e.g., animation,sound) After video capture, embodiment 100 may transition to idle stateS1 and display visual cue(s) on or around the control surface of userinterface 120, indicating the OFF state of element 121.

Example Interactions

The following discussion provides non-limiting examples of interactionswith embodiment 100. From the perspective of a user, the user utilizesthe single user input element 121 in two distinct patterns in order toacquire different representations of visual content.

As a first interaction pattern, the user may employ a relatively shortinteraction with element 121. For instance, the first interactionpattern may comprise a sequence of a brief touch and a release or asequence of a brief press and a release. The time duration of the firstinteraction pattern is shorter than a pre-defined time interval,Interval X. The first interaction pattern triggers still imageacquisition (e.g., static picture).

As a second interaction pattern, the user may employ a relatively longerinteraction with element 121. For instance, the second interactionpattern may comprise a prolonged touch and a release or a sequence of aprolonged press and a release. The time duration of the secondinteraction pattern is longer than the pre-defined time interval,Interval X. The second interaction pattern triggers the start ofrecording a dynamic (audio/video) representation of visual content. Therelease of element 121 triggers the end of the recording.

Alternative Embodiments

The following discussion provides additional non-limiting embodiments.Another embodiment employs a single-touch camera-modeselection/execution button. The button enables control over theselection and execution of a still camera and a video camera on a singledevice using a single button. In a first scenario, when the button ispressed and released quickly, the still camera is selected and takesstill photo in a photo mode. In a second scenario, when the button isheld down, the video camera is selected and takes a video taken for aslong as the button is depressed in a video mode. Upon releasing thebutton, the video camera stops taking the video in the video mode. Thephoto and video modes are accessed and controlled by user via the samebutton and can be switched easily by the user using the twoaforementioned scenarios.

Yet another embodiment is directed to combination Video Camera/StillCamera devices. Conventional combination Video Camera/Still Cameradevices use a switch to toggle back and forth from Video Cameraoperation mode to Still Camera operation mode. This embodiment employs asingle button to automatically switch back and forth between VideoCamera operation mode and Still Camera operation mode without the needfor a separate switch or toggle. When a user presses and holds thesingle button for a relatively long period of time (e.g., approximately1-1.5 seconds or longer), the Video Camera is automatically engaged. Aslong as the user continues to press/hold the single button, the Videocamera is engaged. Upon release of the single button, the operation modeis automatically switched back to Still Camera mode. When a user pressesand quickly releases the single button, a photo is taken. The user canpress/hold the single button at any time to automatically re-engage theVideo Camera mode. The user can switch unlimited times between StillCamera operation mode and Video Camera operation mode by either pressingand holding the single button for Video using the Video Camera mode orby pressing and quickly releasing the single button for Photo using theStill Camera mode.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that variouschanges and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as beingincluded within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image capture device comprising: an imagesensor capable of being configured to capture an image or video; atouchscreen display configured to preview image signals from the imagesensor; a single user input element comprising a touch-sensitive area ofthe touchscreen display and capable of detecting user activity at thesingle user input element; a processor coupled with the image sensor andconfigured to perform operations comprising: displaying, on the touchscreen display, a preview of image signals from the image sensor;detecting a state change of the single user input element from a firststate to a second state based on a detected user activity, the detecteduser activity comprising a screen touch on the touch-sensitive area ofthe touchscreen display during the display of the preview of imagesignals from the image sensor; determining a duration of the secondstate; storing an image from the image sensor based on the duration ofthe second state being less than a time interval; and capturing a videorecording based on the duration of the second state being greater thanthe time interval, wherein the video recording is captured until a statechange of the single user input element from the second state to thefirst state is detected.
 2. The image capture device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a timing reference coupled with the processor; and whereindetermining the duration of the second state comprises: engaging thetiming reference at a first reference time based on detecting the statechange of the single user input element from the first state to thesecond state; and determining a passage of time since the firstreference time.
 3. The image capture device of claim 2, furthercomprising: providing a distinct audio signal indicating that an imagecapture is triggered, based on the duration of the second state beingless than a time interval.
 4. The image capture device of claim 3,wherein providing the distinct signal audio indicating that the imagecapture is triggered, based on the duration of the second state beingless than the time interval, is based on determining that the passage oftime since the first reference time is shorter than the time interval.5. The image capture device of claim 2, further comprising: providing adistinct audio signal indicating that a video recording is triggered,based on the duration of the second state being greater than the timeinterval.
 6. The image capture device of claim 5, wherein providing thedistinct audio signal indicating that the video recording is triggered,based on the duration of the second state being greater than the timeinterval, is based on determining that the passage of time since thefirst reference time is equal to or longer than the time interval. 7.The image capture device of claim 1, the operations further comprising:detecting that image capture or video capture failed; and in response todetecting that the image capture or video capture failed, providing adistinct audio signal indicating failure of the image capture or videocapture.
 8. The image capture device of claim 1, further comprising:providing a distinct audio signal indicating image capture or videocapture is successfully completed.
 9. The image capture device of claim1, the operations further comprising: detecting a state change of thesingle user input element from the second state to the first state; anddisplaying, on the touch screen display, a visual cue indicating an offstate of the single user input element.
 10. A method comprising:displaying, on a touch screen display of an image capture device, apreview of image signals from an image sensor of the image capturedevice, the touch screen display comprising a single user input elementcomprising a touch-sensitive area of the touchscreen display; detecting,by the image capture device, a state change of the single user inputelement from a first state to a second state based on a screen touch onthe touch-sensitive area of the touchscreen display during the displayof the preview of image signals from the image sensor; determining, bythe image capture device, a duration of the second state; storing, bythe image capture device, an image from the image sensor based on theduration of the second state being less than a time interval; andcapturing, by the image capture device, a video recording based on theduration of the second state being greater than the time interval,wherein the video recording is captured until a state change of thesingle user input element from the second state to the first state isdetected.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: engaging atiming reference at a first reference time based on detecting the statechange of the single user input element from the first state to thesecond state; and determining a passage of time since the firstreference time.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:providing a distinct audio signal indicating that an image capture istriggered, based on the duration of the second state being less than atime interval.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein providing thedistinct signal audio indicating that the image capture is triggered,based on the duration of the second state being less than the timeinterval, is based on determining that the passage of time since thefirst reference time is shorter than the time interval.
 14. The methodof claim 11, further comprising: providing a distinct audio signalindicating that a video recording is triggered, based on the duration ofthe second state being greater than the time interval.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein providing the distinct audio signal indicating thatthe video recording is triggered, based on the duration of the secondstate being greater than the time interval, is based on determining thatthe passage of time since the first reference time is equal to or longerthan the time interval.
 16. The method of claim 10, the operationsfurther comprising: detecting that image capture or video capturefailed; and in response to detecting that the image capture or videocapture failed, providing a distinct audio signal indicating failure ofthe image capture or video capture.
 17. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: providing a distinct audio signal indicating image captureor video capture is successfully completed.
 18. The method of claim 10,the operations further comprising: detecting a state change of thesingle user input element from the second state to the first state; anddisplaying, on the touch screen display, a visual cue indicating an offstate of the single user input element.
 19. A non-transitory computerreadable storage medium storing therein instructions that, when executedby a processor, cause an image capture device to perform operationscomprising: displaying, on a touch screen display of the image capturedevice, a preview of image signals from an image sensor of the imagecapture device, the touch screen display comprising a single user inputelement comprising a touch-sensitive area of the touchscreen display;detecting a state change of the single user input element from a firststate to a second state based on a screen touch on the touch-sensitivearea of the touchscreen display during the display of the preview ofimage signals from the image sensor; determining a duration of thesecond state; storing an image from the image sensor based on theduration of the second state being less than a time interval; andcapturing a video recording based on the duration of the second statebeing greater than the time interval, wherein the video recording iscaptured until a state change of the single user input element from thesecond state to the first state is detected.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium of claim 19, the operations furthercomprising: engaging a timing reference at a first reference time basedon detecting the state change of the single user input element from thefirst state to the second state; and determining a passage of time sincethe first reference time.